Public Radio for the Central Kenai Peninsula
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Carhartts and Xtratufs Ball — get tickets here!

Woman fatally shot in Kenai, suspect in custody

Alaska Department of Corrections

Update: Nov. 18

More information has become available about a homicide that occurred on California Avenue in Kenai early yesterday morning. 28-year-old Kevin Lee Park of Kenai is charged with first-degree murder in death of Stephanie Henson, 31, also of Kenai.

According to police documents, Park told investigators he and Henson were friends who got into an argument and then a physical altercation in the early hours of Thursday. Park admitted to meth use, and the investigator says there was a strong odor of alcohol on his breath.

Park told investigators that he shot Henson in the road on California Avenue, then tried to load her into his truck and bring her to the hospital. When he was unable to, he abandoned her body and fled the scene in his truck. He was then pursued, and eventually arrested, by police.

A neighbor’s security camera caught footage of two people struggling in the street, and then shooting the other, according to police documents.

Park is being held at the Wildwood Pretrial Facility. In addition to murder, he is also charged with tampering with evidence, and failing to stop at the direction of an officer. Park’s attorney had no comment.

–––––––––––––––––––––

A woman was fatally shot in Kenai early this morning, and the suspect was caught in a chase and charged in her death.

Kevin Lee Park of Kenai, 28, is accused of first-degree murder and evidence tampering in the death of Stephanie Henson, 31, also of Kenai.

Kenai Police said in a statement that they learned about the shooting on California Avenue at about 4 a.m. Witnesses reported seeing a vehicle leave the scene, and officers found a matching vehicle leaving the area without lights on.

Police said they pursued the vehicle, with help from Alaska State Troopers and Soldotna police. They eventually stopped the car and arrested the shooter.

Henson was found dead on California Avenue. Police declined to release further information about the case today, and said they’re still investigating.

Park was held at the Wildwood Pretrial Facility.

Riley Board is a Report For America participant and senior reporter at KDLL covering rural communities on the central Kenai Peninsula.
Related Content